Issue 38 | April 2024 | {View as Webpage}

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Your Monthly News and Updates from The Physical Activity Alliance (PAA)

Updates from the Physical Activity Alliance!

It's Time to Move: April 2024 Update


We are currently working with our technical advisor to develop Reference Implementation Apps (for both the Provider and Patient) testing—we've made significant progress towards preparing the apps for the first round of testing likely to start late May. After initial rounds of testing, we'll launch both apps for public use. In July, we'll participate in the CMS Connectathon and also present updates on our work at the upcoming HL7 Work Group Meetings in Dallas, TX.


Lastly, we are continuing conversations with the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA) about developing quality and performance measures around physical activity assessment and referral, creating important incentives for health plans, clinicians and health systems. We hope to develop a strategic road map for doing this work in summer 2024.

2024 Congressional Physical Activity Challenge


The Congressional Physical Activity Challenge (sponsored by PAA and MyZone) is an annual competition involving the offices of the US Congress in a bid to achieve the highest level of physical activity. The Challenge is held each May for the duration of National Physical Fitness and Sport Month and open to all members of Congress & their congressional staff and interns, committee staff and leadership staff. This year we've also inviting the President’s Council on Sport, Fitness, and Nutrition to participate. Stay tuned for the launch of the leaderboard!

Senator Lummis encourages offices and members to participate in this years Challenge.

Check out this Challenge promo video from one of last years winning offices, Senator Lummis!

EXPLORE Act


Congress recently passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, the bipartisan House outdoor recreation package. The legislation, co-sponsored by Reps. Bruce Westerman and Raúl Grijalva, would improve accessibility options outdoors, improve or create new outdoor recreation facilities, and introduce more generations of children to the outdoors.

Learn More

The Role of Physical Education Within the National Physical Activity Plan


This article The Role of Physical Education Within the National Physical Activity Plan from the February 2024 issue of JOPERD presents an overview of the strategies and tactics, along with objectives specific for K-12 school physical education programming. Read

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The purpose of this section is to provide physical activity resources, articles, research, and education as it relates to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

You are invited to participate in a research study conducted by Smart Growth America, supported by the International Parking & Mobility Institute and the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund.


The research team is seeking to learn more about the needs and challenges people with disabilities meet when walking and rolling in their community. They are interested in what it looks, sounds, and feels like when a street serves walking, biking, and driving for all people, including people with disabilities. Participants should be over 18 years of age. Your input will provide the research team with useful information to design better streets for everyone, including people with disabilities in our communities.


This survey should take about five minutes to complete. It is your choice to fill out the survey, and there are no risks to you if you choose to participate. You may skip any questions you are not comfortable answering. You may stop the survey at any time. More Info.

Announcements, Releases, Reports, and Research

Massive Study Uncovers How Much Exercise Is Needed to Live Longer Read

2024 Physical Activity & Public Health Courses


The 2024 Physical Activity & Public Health Courses will take place in Columbia, SC from September 11 to 18. Applications are accepted through June 1, 2024. More

International Task Force Issues Physical Activity and Exercise Recommendations for People with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Read

Amid the Nation’s Ongoing Youth Mental Health Crisis, New Research Shows the Critical Role Sports Can Play in Promoting Girls’ Mental Health Read

Military Families Outdoors


Military Families Outdoors is a new innovative partnership, championed by Congresswoman Betty McCollum, focused on supporting the health and well-being of service members and military families through intentional, hands-on outdoor experiences. More

New Book! Move To Live More: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers to Help Their Kids Move More and Feel Better More

Linking the Benefits of Exercise to Chronic Inflammation and Obesity Read

This Could Be a Strong Weapon for Cancer Pain (or Any Pain) Read

Bicycle Friendly Community Ideabook


The League of American Bicyclists recently released the Bicycle Friendly Community Ideabook, a free publication that aims to inspire local advocates and decision-makers by uplifting projects, partnerships, and policies used by peer communities in their efforts to better support people riding bikes. Read

Park Prescription Program Toolkit



The Park Prescription Program Toolkit is an interactive, step-by-step guide for agencies interested in starting their own Park Prescription program. More

Physical Activity Linked to a 71% Lower Risk of Insomnia, According to a New Study Read

Health and Economic Value of Eliminating Socioeconomic Disparities in US Youth Physical Activity Read

New! The Complete Streets Policy Grading Tool


Smart Growth America recently released a new Complete Streets policy grading tool. Created in partnership with AARP, this one-of-a-kind interactive resource guides users through the steps of evaluating a Complete Streets policy using their 10 Element Framework and generates a report that includes details about the policy’s score and how it compares to others within the same state. Go ahead—use the tool to grade your community's policy here.

In The News

– To Improve America’s School Kids, We Need to Get Them Moving Read


– Why the IRS Doesn’t Believe Your Doctor’s Note for Tax-free Health Items Read


– Could You Pass the Presidential Physical Fitness Test Today? Read


– Regular Exercise Is Associated With Less Insomnia, Study Shows Read


– Family Dogs Boost Children’s Physical Activity Levels Read

– Children Need Neighborhoods Where They Can Walk and Bike Read


– The 10 Most Active States in the US — and the 10 Least Active Read


– How Exercise Strengthens Your Brain Read


– NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Break delivers movement to classrooms in advance of the NFL Draft Read


– Incentives — including Cash — Helped People Raise Their Step Counts Read

Upcoming

● Celebrate Trails Day April 27!


● 2024 Holistic Health & Wellness Symposium (H2F)

April 29-May 1; Hampton Roads, VA

More


● 2024 ACSM Annual Meeting

May 28-31; Boston, MA

More

● Join the Health & Fitness Association May 7-8 for their Fly-In and Advocacy Summit,

which features the Congressional Physical Activity Challenge Workout (Sponsored by Myzone, VIDA & Physical Activity Alliance)  More


Career Opportunities:

● Federal Government Relations Manager American Heart Association More

Who Are We?

The Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) is the nation’s largest coalition dedicated to advancing

regular participation in physical activity. We use our collective voice to lead efforts that create,

support, and advocate for the policy and systems changes necessary to empower people to

enjoy physically active lives. We are leading the movement to make physical activity more accessible, frequent, and integrated into the day-to-day lives and health of all people.

Physical Activity Alliance | [paamovewithus.org | Move With US!

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